TYPES OF GLAUCOMA AND TREATMENT OPTIONS

Glaucoma, known as the silent threat, is commonly associated with slow, progressive loss of peripheral vision. Glaucoma is painless and usually not noticed by the patient. It is a leading cause of blindness, and risk increases with age. Regular testing is important for identifying those at risk and monitoring glaucoma treatment plans. There are many types of glaucoma – some with genetic predisposition and others without – including:

Open Angle Glaucoma

Very common (most common in the United States). Risk factors include race, family history, hypertension, diabetes, appearance of the optic nerve and eye pressure. Therapy usually includes eyedrops but may also involve specialized glaucoma surgery, including laser eye surgery. Only a thorough examination can determine if you have glaucoma.

Narrow Angle Glaucoma

Somewhat uncommon in the United States, but much more common in Asian countries. Patients may complain of eye pain, headache, halos around lights and nausea. Definitive laser treatment for glaucoma is usually helpful for this condition.

Angle Recession Glaucoma

Associated with severe blunt trauma. This type of glaucoma results in higher intraocular pressure due to damage to the drainage portion of the eye (trabecular meshwork). Patients usually do not experience symptoms and it may take years to develop. Other types of glaucoma are less common, yet can be detected by a thorough eye examination.

Treatment for Glaucoma

Requires monitoring eye pressure and measuring changes in the peripheral field. Control of glaucoma usually means that eye pressure is at an acceptable level and that there has been little or no loss of the visual field. Although there are many risk factors for developing glaucoma, control of eye pressure is the mainstay of therapy. Pressure may be controlled by eyedrops, oral medications, laser trabeculoplasty, laser iridotomy, trabeculectomy or shunt placement.

Surgery for Glaucoma

Our surgeons are trained in minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) and micro-shunt placement.

Management and treatment for glaucoma is essential to preventing long-term vision loss. The key to successful management is early detection and regular follow-up examination.

To learn more about glaucoma treatment, call Brazosport Eye Institute at 979.297.2961. You can also schedule your consultation by filling out our online Request an Appointment form. Our glaucoma patients visit us from Angleton, Pearland, Lake Jackson, Freeport (Brazoria County, TX) and Bay City (Matagorda County, TX).